It seems yes is the answer to the question of whether Battlefield 3 will require the use of EA's new Origin service, even for users who purchase a physical copy of DICE's upcoming military shooter sequel. A question on Twitter directed at Global Battlefield Community Manager Daniel Matros asked "If we get the DVD version of BF3 do we still have to use Origin?" This was followed by another attempt, asking: "What about the rumors spreading on the forums that we need origin to play BF3 if we have the DVD?" These inspired the following reply: "Yes those 'rumors' are true :)." Thanks Teddy via BF3Blog.

And that's exactly what EA is counting on. They are going to take it as a sign they can keep on in this direction.

I don't entirely buy the slippery slope argument. They can get away with it because it's a fantastic game. The same was true of Half-Life 2 back in the day. But if Origin integration hurts other releases that aren't guaranteed blockbusters, I think EA will be smart enough to notice.